Garden cress (Lepidium sativum), common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), celery (Apium graveolens) and most cabbages (Brassica sp.) are generally considered suitable
Great companion plants for tomatoes include garlic, onions, chives, lettuce, basil, and sage. Garlic is especially good because it is a powerful insect repellent, so it not only helps the tomato fruits become more flavorful and robust, it tends to repel both aphids and tomato hornworms.
Support structures such as cages and trellises allow you to maximize your harvest by keeping the plants and fruit off the ground. The photos below will give you some ideas about some of the different ways you can support your plants and achieve true tomato transcendence this season.
Tomato plants will grow well in well-drained sites that receive full sun for most of the day. The soil pH should be slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8). Excess nitrogen can result in plants with lush, vigorous foliage but little fruit production.
Corn and tomatoes also share vulnerabilities to similar fungal diseases, increasing the likelihood of infections spreading. Lastly, the tall stalks of corn can overshadow tomato plants, blocking the sunlight they need to grow. As a result, it's not recommended to plant these two near each other.
Brassicas: Brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are not good companion plants for peppers as they require similar nutrients from the soil, which can lead to competition and reduced yield.
At this stage, the tomato plant needs potassium so that the potassium level in the soil becomes twice higher than that of nitrogen. Pick a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 8-32-16 or 6-24-24 for best results.
A sprinkling of coffee grounds mixed into the soil before planting tomatoes will not harm the plants. However, no additional coffee grounds should be added to the soil during the growing season.
Watering tomato plants every day will prevent them from developing a strong root system and sitting in wet soil is an invitation for root rot and other soilborne diseases. When you water, do not wet the plant leaves.
A better choice is to stake your tomatoes. There are stakes available as long as 10 feet. They come in different materials like wood, bamboo, plastic and metal.
When you plant tomatoes, plant a little deeper than they come in the pot, all the way up to the bottom few leaves! Tomatoes root along their stems, so this trick helps them develop stronger roots. Tomatoes can be planted a lot deeper because they can produce new roots anywhere along their stems.
Petunias (Annual)– These annual flowers come in a variety of bright colors and can help repel aphids, beetles, tomato worms, and squash bugs.
Aromatic Herbs: Herbs like sage and rosemary, while useful in cooking, can inhibit the growth of cucumbers. They contain natural oils that can slow down the growth of cucumber plants. Brassicas: Plants like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower can compete with cucumbers for the same nutrients in the soil.
Peppers (Zones 3-10):
May is not too late to plant as many different varieties as possible! They come small, big, hot, mild, and an array of different colors.
Tomatoes prefer full sun. For the best growth and fruit production, choose an area of the garden where tomato plants will receive a minimum eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Provide proper spacing. Crowding tomato plants increases competition for needed resources, which can reduce fruit size.
Tomatoes. One of the most popular crops in America, tomatoes—specifically cherry tomatoes—are incredibly high yield. "Lots of bang for the buck here," says Renee Pottle, creator of Seed to Pantry. "One cherry tomato plant will produce plenty of tomatoes for a summer full of salads.
Many gardeners use eggs in the garden to boost soil nutrients. Try putting eggshells in your compost. You can also plant eggshells or a whole egg in the hole before planting tomato plants.
Tomatoes thrive in loamy soils with good drainage and high organic matter content. Adding composted coffee grounds to planting beds is a great way to build healthy soil for tomato planting but won't provide all the required nutrients.
Tomatoes are prone to magnesium deficiency later in the growing season, which can show with yellowing leaves and diminished production. Ultra Epsom Salt treatments at the beginning of their planting and throughout their seasonal life can help to prevent and remedy magnesium deficiency in your tomato plants.